Multiple Niagara County Vape Shops Targeted for Illegal Operations, Charges Pending

Vape retailers in Lockport and North Tonawanda have been identified as part of a statewide crackdown on the illegal shipment of vaping products, according to New York officials.

The investigation, known as "Operation Vapers’ Dozen", has already led to over a dozen arrests and 38 criminal charges. Authorities said another 10 charges are pending, with more arrests and warrants expected in the coming days.

Locally, the state confirmed that Wet Vapes shops in Lockport, North Tonawanda, and Cheektowaga were among those flagged in the probe. By Wednesday morning, websites for all three stores were offline. State officials did not release the names of individuals connected to the charges.

The enforcement push, spearheaded by the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Police, focused on companies running online vape stores and distribution networks across the state stretching from Western New York to Long Island.

“These companies built their business models around breaking New York’s laws and targeting our kids — now, we’re holding them accountable,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “With the largest criminal vape enforcement operation in state history, New York is sending a message: if you sell vapor products in violation of our laws, you will face serious consequences.”

The Department of Health’s Bureau of Investigations conducted the months-long operation, which included undercover online purchases. State Police have since charged multiple vape operators with unlawful shipment and transport of vapor products, a class A misdemeanor. Repeat convictions elevate the crime to a class E felony under New York’s Public Health Law.

Investigators reported that many of the illegal shipments featured brightly packaged disposable e-cigarettes and flavored e-liquids meant to attract young users. These products often came in fruit, soda, candy, and dessert flavors and were promoted through websites, mobile apps, and social media. Some disposable vapes were even designed with digital screens and tech-inspired features resembling smartphones or handheld gaming devices, making them particularly appealing to adolescents.

“The widespread availability of e-cigarettes and vapor products poses significant public health challenges, with particularly alarming consequences for adolescents, such as addiction and damage to their developing brains and lungs. These arrests are a direct result of the state's dedication to decreasing vaping, especially among young people,” state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Thanks to the work of the Department's Bureau of Investigations and our partners at the Schenectady County District Attorney's Office and the New York State Police, we are making it clear that violating laws meant to protect the health of New Yorkers, and children in particular, will not be tolerated.”

Under state law, it is prohibited to sell flavored vape products, to sell any vapor products to people under the age of 21, or to ship vapor products to consumers or unlicensed businesses. Violations carry both civil and criminal penalties.

Multiple Niagara County Vape Shops Targeted for Illegal Operations, Charges Pending